Takao Kanko Hotel

Everything, location, river view, 100 year old traditional property run by the same family across 4 generations, traditional room, Onsen, food (classic Japanese traditional cuisine), cleanliness, very kind owner, her son and all the staffs. Also to add definitely that they perfectly took care of our non standard dietary requirements.

Nothing, except a minor thing, not sure if that’s part of the tradition though, we felt there could be one full size mirror in the room.

The staff were so so kind and lovely. It was my birthday during the stay and the staff made me origami as a present! The hotel was in such a beautiful location and the food was some of the best we had during our whole holiday. Every meal we had there was exceptional, I would highly recommend including breakfast and dinner in your stay. It was such a relaxing, warming experience and I left feeling uplifted from the kindness and good sense of humour of the staff. There are lovely walks all around the hotel, with lots of temples also very close. It is in such beautiful scenery it was incredible. There was also a free shuttle bus down the mountain which was very helpful. We stayed for 2 nights and wished we stayed for longer!

Nothing!

During our stay, my mom and I truly experienced what authentic Japanese hospitality feels like. Even before we arrived, we could already sense the care from the staff, especially in how they helped us figure out the best way to get to the hotel. On our first night, our taxi driver accidentally dropped us off at the wrong hotel because I had entered an unclear drop-off location in the GO app. It was late and we were in a mountain area, but the staff kindly came to pick us up and quickly drove us back to the correct hotel. We were so grateful for their help. The next morning left a lasting impression on us. The dining hall overlooked the mountains and river, with sunlight streaming through the large windows. Guests quietly enjoyed a homemade Japanese breakfast, creating a peaceful and warm atmosphere. The staff welcomed us with genuine kindness, and every dish was delicious, even the steamed rice stood out. Whenever we had questions about transportation, the staff were always there to assist us. Their attentiveness made us feel truly cared for, which meant so much, especially while traveling overseas without knowing anyone. I only wish I had brought a small gift to express my gratitude. Next time, if I have a chance to visit Kyoto again, I will definitely remember to bring a token of appreciation.

While the hotel has a charming atmosphere, some of the facilities feel a little dated. As someone who is sensitive to lighting, I personally prefer warmer tones, so I think slightly softer, warmer lighting in the hallways could make the space feel even cozier and more in harmony with the beautiful surroundings outside.

The Ryokan is a great experience, but this one is very, very, very old. There has not been made any renovation or improvement in at least 30 years. The food was good but very expensive!

Bad smell in the room, I got instant allergies. The bathroom is old and the Onsen is unusable due to the fact that is looks old and rather dirty.